Question:
Hair Loss at 3 weeks post op

I have read all of the questions about hair loss but it seems that everyone is months out before they start to loose hair. I was wondering why it is that I am loosiing mine so much sooner. I have a bald patch in the back of my head about 3 inchs long and 2 inches wide. Any advise or comments would help!! Thanks as all ways everyone here is great!!    — Kim R. (posted on May 12, 2003)

May 12, 2003
Hey Kim -- I read in the ObesityHelp Library that hair loss can be caused by anethesia, too. Just a thought. >^,,^< Kim
   — Kim W.

May 13, 2003
Maybe it's not connected to the surgery? Is it a round patch? I have something called Alopecia Ariata (forgive the spelling, I'm winging it!) Basically I get bald patches. I've had it for 30 years. It comes and goes, and has something to do with the immune system. I'm not up on any recent info on it, I've had it for so long and it's never been very bad.
   — JoSyrNY

May 13, 2003
Hi! I, too, have alopecia areata. I have since I was 17. I would recommend that you make an appointment with a dermatologist. If it turns out to be alopecia, the Dr. can give you in injection in the scalp (it isn't very painful) to "jumpstart" new hair growth, otherwise, it will continue to fall out. Check, or have someone else check, to see if you have anymore patches. Hairloss caused by the anesthesia and rapid weight loss is a uniform loss, rather than patchy. I would definitely follow up with a physician about that. Do you have a family history of allergies? I was told by my dermatologist that alopecia areata generally runs in families with allergies. Hope this helps.
   — cherryswitch